In short: Running and wine...perfectIn full: Marshals were excellent. A fantastic race and a best kept secret...lots of capacity for more runners. I'll definitely be back. Date of review: September 8, 2013

In short: Very good race, deserves to get biggerIn full: Plenty of drinks stations and excellent marshals (the most marshals I've seen at any non-big city marathon). Also well done for putting bins for plastic cups at least a bit past the drinks stations, so we can drink and not litter!Overall a pretty challenging and very scenic course with some great views and the fastest last mile of any marathon I've ever done. I like the two lap layout and although not a fan of 'out and back sections' both are short. Quite possible to run in road shoes though they will get a bit muddy!Passing the half-marathoners gave a good atmosphere which can sometimes be lacking in 'smaller' events. Occasionally an "excuse me" was needed to get by but everyone seemed very nice. Also the spectators that were there were vocal and supportive.Nice tech t-shirt and a minimalist medal which is quite classy. Can't comment on the post race food and drink (I don't feel hungry straight afterwards) although the queues did seem quite long. On the other hand plenty of toilets so no queues for them!Overall a good race at a nice venue which should get bigger year after year. Personally I prefer either very flat or very hilly courses but can understand this being many people's favourite marathon.Date of review: September 8, 2013

In short: The Best Marathon in the UK?In full: I don't make the comment on my strap line lightly, however, I think I know what I talk about. Today was my 68th marathon!

Whilst most races keep to the same tried & tested format, the Bacchus marathon in its 4th year, has grown bigger & better each year.

With a feed station every two miles, with copious amounts of food, drinks & gels at each stop, there is also the opportunity to have a shot of wine (15 drinks for the marathon runners), with a different taster at each stop & you can have as many as you want!

A quality technical vest is given at the end, with a first class medal. At the finish there is ample food, a free hog roast/veggie option too & a free drink.

The marshals are some of the most enthusiastic people I have ever met at a race & the signage & marks are spot on. Mile markers are accurate.

The course is very attractive, despite being two lapped.

Races don't get better than this. In the first year there were only 30 or so of us running the marathon, this year in the low hundreds doing either the half or full - many runners in fancy dress & everyone having a great time in a wonderful setting.

Parking is available on site, so no need to walk long distances to the start/finish.

In a year or two, like the Le Medoc marathon which sells out within no time, this event will. Races don't get better than this event. I for one have never been so enthused over a race.Date of review: September 8, 2013

In short: party atmosphereIn full: There is a party atmosphere and everyone was freindly,whilst overtaking half marathon runners I heard one of them say get out of the way a proper runner is coming through(this made me chuckle).The marshalls were excellent especially one older lady who had a kind word for every runner that passed.There were many runners in fancy dress which made the event pretty unique.All in all one of my favourite marathonsDate of review: September 8, 2013

In short: Superb well organised raceIn full: Thoroughly enjoyed this race despite the very hot conditions. Thought the course was picturesque, and all the marshals, and those at the drink stations were fantastic giving you encouragement and being really supportive.

Whilst the cost may appear a bit steep it's well organised,, plenty of water and other refreshments, a good atmosphere and a nice meal at the end to help you recover.

One of the best marathons i've done in terms of organisation. Would highly recommend this to anyone, and thoroughly pleased I did it. Date of review: September 28, 2012

In short: If you want to enjoy running 26.2 miles, enter this race. In full: I entered this race almost at the last minute as it fell on my birthday and I fancied the experience of conducting a wine tasting whilst running a marathon (my friends think I'm very strange). I'm in training for a different marathon so this was to be my last long slow run. The course comprises two-laps, mostly off-road with one long hill (a slog rather than a pain) and, just when you think you're going to be going back down, another short steep uphill section. It's then a steep descent on road to the finish of each lap. There are six wine tasting stations en route, plus sparkling wine at the mid-way point. I tried the wine on the first lap, but decided to up the pace on the second lap so stuck to water (it was a ridiculously hot day). I'd recommend the wine tasting (if you drink) - it's part of what makes the race different and with lots of water and food I didn't notice any adverse effects from the small quantities of wine consumed. There's a small field for the marathon with a larger half marathon field that sets off one hour later so marathoners may well catch up with the slower half marathoners. This means that the course feels pretty quiet during the first half, but rather busier in the second half, especially at the water stages when you're trying to grab water whilst others are milling round and taking things easy. Luckily, no-one minded me charging past them. But perhaps the marshals could be more aware of the faster runners during the second half and hold out cups of water as they did during the first half. My one complaint is that there were serious problems with the chip timing and differentiating between marathoners and half marathoners. This was eventually resolved over the next few days, but it meant they couldn't hold a prize giving on the day. Not a problem for most runners, but I won the ladies' race and as this was the first race I'd ever won I was really disappointed. Hopefully this will be resolved for future years as it marred what was otherwise one of the best racing experiences I've ever had. Date of review: September 20, 2012

In short: Fantastic Race ,loved the route and the organisation was 1st class, fabulous overall. In full: This is definately a race worth doing, it's a challenging course but you get to run amidst osome lovely scenery and will get rewarded with a nice Medal & Tech T-Shirt afterwards and in additional a lovely Hog Roast & Glass of Wine or Beer - yummy !! Date of review: September 18, 2012

In short: A great place to do your first X/C Marathon !! In full: Great race! Great camaraderie ! Great family/runners atmosphere!It has everything, to put a smile on your face.Date of review: September 16, 2012

In short: my hardest but best marathonIn full: water stations - excellent (wine, jellybabies, gel, water, isodrink)marshalls - excellentroute - hard, but really enjoyableOne big climb two times plus a couple of small ones.BBQ, wine, very good atmoshphereWith my training I was not completely ready for this challange and done my PW of 5hours, but I still find it the best marathon of the 7 I have done so far this year.Date of review: September 12, 2012